Column Capital
Coptic
1 of 13
Object Label
It is probable that these four examples of Christian art were made for religious buildings rather than tombs. The capital, which would have decorated the top of a small column, has slots to hold the walls of a chapel. The bust of an unnamed saint, shown blessing his viewers, may represent the patron saint of a church or monastery. The pair of reliefs shows saints who are little known today. St. Sissinios is apparently shown killing his sister, whose daughter had been taken over by the devil. St. Thekla, who was converted to Christianity by St. Paul, is being martyred by two crudely rendered lions.
Caption
Coptic. Column Capital, 6th century C.E.. Limestone, 11 5/16 x 20 7/8 x 21 7/8 in. (28.7 x 53 x 55.5 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund, 43.55. (Photo: Brooklyn Museum)
Gallery
Not on view
Gallery
Not on view
Culture
Title
Column Capital
Date
6th century C.E.
Period
Late Antique Period
Geography
Reportedly from: Bawit, Egypt
Medium
Limestone
Classification
Dimensions
11 5/16 x 20 7/8 x 21 7/8 in. (28.7 x 53 x 55.5 cm)
Credit Line
Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund
Accession Number
43.55
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